A four-time Arnold Classic champion, Flex Wheeler’s biggest compliment was when Arnold Schwarzenegger described him as the greatest bodybuilder he has ever seen. While he went on to inspire the likes of Ronnie Coleman, Wheeler, 57 years old today, shifted his attention to martial arts post-retirement. In fact, he recently shared his disapproval of a ridiculous decision from a karate match at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. It was a controversial moment that also had everyone in uproar at the time.

Flex Wheeler recently shared a story on his Instagram account that showed a small clip from the Karate match. The Gold medal match ended abruptly, as the Saudi Arabian was denied a win because he kicked too hard. Here’s what happened.

Flex Wheeler expresses his disbelief at the controversial ending of the match

Karate made a historic debut at Olympics in the Tokyo 2020 edition. Both finalists from Asian countries locked horns, and the match provided a terrific spectacle until the controversial moment. Flex Wheeler shared it on his Instagram account and wrote, “I call BS. WHAT DO YOU THINK?”

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Tareg Hamedi was leading the match 4-1 and was on the verge of winning a first-ever historic Gold for Saudi Arabia. Hamedi’s silver win was also Saudi Arabia’s only medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Sajad Ganzadeh, on the other hand, was struggling to fight against his tougher opponent on the day. He was swinging hard initially but Hamedia kept dodging them. Hamedi suddenly launched a fierce and lightning-quick kick and hit Ganzadeh on his neck. Saudi Arabia went into celebration mode immediately.

Gazadeh fell on the tatami mat as medics rushed to his side with an oxygen mask. The Nippon Budokan arena meanwhile erupted to celebrate Hamedi’s victory, but a final twist in the tale remained. The match officials discussed the outcome on the sideline, while they carried Ganzadeh out on a stretcher. They decided to disqualify Hamedi and award the Gold to Ganzadeh.

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Wheeler who must’ve recently discovered this match from 2021, couldn’t believe his eyes on what he saw. He also wrote the caption, “Karate fighter gets disqualified out of Olympic Gold Medal match for “hitting too hard”. The Gold Medal will be given to the guy who is knocked out.” An air of shock and disbelief ran through his caption, which anyone could feel from those words.

Other issues Wheeler highlighted, and Hamedi still returning home as champion

What was interesting to notice was that Tareg Hamedi was a black athlete, whereas Ganzadeh wasn’t. Wheeler also seemed to chalk up his annoyance at what he felt was an unfair decision and credit the same to the systemic discrimination that continues to affect the lives of black people and athletes. He wrote, “Soproud2beblack”, indicating there was no need for Hamedi to feel low for his efforts. Apparently, on returning home, the Saudi Sports minister awarded him with top bonuses and prizes.

Ganzadeh alongside Javed Foroughi and Mohammed Reza Geraei were the three Gold winners for Iran that summer. The latter two won for Shooting and Wrestling respectively.  Did you catch that moment live during the Tokyo Olympics and what did you make of the controversial moment? Let us know.

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